Set, Serve, Spike: The excitement of Haikyuu



Apart from activities like going to the gym, practising yoga, and meditating, sports also play a crucial role in self-improvement. Engaging in sports can lead to better sleep, healthier eating habits, and a happier lifestyle. Participating in team sports, in particular, fosters social interaction, builds a competitive spirit, and contributes to character development. This is brilliantly depicted in one of the best sports anime, Haikyuu, where the transformative power of sports is showcased through teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth. The thrill of honing various skills and testing them against others is vividly portrayed in anime. This sense of competition isn’t just exhilarating—it often sparks something profound within the characters, inspiring them to push beyond their limits. This newfound drive usually carries over to other aspects of their lives, motivating them to grow and succeed in ways they hadn’t imagined before. In this blog, I review Haikyuu!! by exploring the deeper meanings behind the characters I find most compelling.

Falling behind is an illusion.


Season 3 of Haikyuu concluded with Ittetsu Takeda, Karasuno's teacher, rushing into the gym with exciting news about Kageyama's selection for national training. As Season 4 begins, both Tsukishima and Kageyama are called up for special training camps—Kageyama for national training and Tsukishima for a first-year camp led by Coach Tanji Washijo. Naturally, Hinata assumed he might be selected as well. However, to his surprise, it was Tsukishima who was chosen. This was a tough moment for Hinata, who had never received formal volleyball training before and was now watching his two friends advance without him. Desperate to not be left behind, he forcefully enters the first-year training camp, only to be relegated to the role of a ball boy by Coach Washijo.

Being reduced to the position of a ball boy was undoubtedly frustrating for Hinata, especially when Coach Washijo remarked, "Without that setter called Kageyama around, I don't see any worth in you." Though hurt by the comment, it also fueled Hinata's determination to prove the coach wrong. This situation reflects how life is often far more complex than we initially assumed. We tend to have unrealistic expectations of quick success, and in today’s world—where social media often highlights only the top 0.01%—it’s easy to feel as though everyone else is progressing while we’re falling behind. The pressure to be constantly productive can be overwhelming. Hinata experienced a similar feeling as he spent half a season as a ball boy, watching his teammates receive professional training. Initially, he felt excluded and discouraged. However, Coach Ukai’s advice, "Think about what it is that only you can do there... don't underestimate what it takes to be a ball boy," prompted Hinata to shift his perspective.

Through his role as a ball boy, Hinata began to see the game from a different angle, leading to a crucial realization: "You can't always tell where the ball is going to go from watching it alone; you need to look at the whole court." This insight later helped him during Karasuno's match where he perfectly received a ball by being in the exact right place at the right time. His teammates were astonished by this new skill, and for the first time, Hinata, who had always relied on his speed and instincts, began to feel truly satisfied with his progress.

This moment highlights an important lesson: we are not falling behind just because we are taking a different path or spending time on things that seem unrelated to our goals. Success comes from consistent self-improvement, even if it doesn’t always look the way we expect. As Coach Ukai advised, sometimes you need to slow down and observe, even when you're used to moving at full speed. By taking the time to step back, you can discover new strengths and perspectives that you might have missed otherwise. Sometimes, slowing down is exactly what leads to progress.

Respecting others' differences is key, but pushing them to reach their full potential is how true growth happens.


Kageyama is an exceptional talent, but his struggles have always been more psychological and personal than technical. His middle school experience left him burdened with regret, shame, and fear. In his relentless pursuit of perfection, Kageyama would berate his teammates for not meeting his high standards, failing to understand that his fierce desire to win was alienating those around him. Though his intentions were never bad, his drive to stay on the court at any cost turned him into a tyrannical figure. This led to him being infamously nicknamed the "King of the Court"—not a ruler who inspired, but a dictator who demanded perfection and dismissed anyone who couldn't keep up as inferior. This was never how Kageyama wanted to be seen, but his teammates lost faith in him, and his coaches saw his immense potential as wasted. Joining Karasuno, Kageyama worked hard to suppress this "kingly" nature, fearing that if he didn't, his new teammates would abandon him too. He became almost overly cautious, rarely criticizing his teammates, except for Hinata, and tried to strip away any hint of ego on the court. When working to perfect the new quick set, Kageyama even sought advice from his longtime role model, Oikawa, who told him to understand the unique skills of his teammates.

This advice planted a new philosophy in Kageyama's mind: that he was no longer just playing for himself, but in service to his team. If his spiker needed something, it was his job to deliver exactly what was required. His old habits of demanding perfection were replaced with a determination to ensure his teammates would stay by his side, a reaction born out of fear of being left behind again. However, at the All-Japan Youth Training Camp for elite players, Kageyama encountered Atsumu, a setter whose style reminded him of his old self. Atsumu exuded a laid-back confidence while still commanding the court with an intensity similar to Kageyama's former mentality. This new setting style, combined with Oikawa's influence, left Kageyama confused. Which approach was the right one? The practice match against Date Tech came at the perfect time to put this question to the test. In the heat of the match, Kageyama's old habits resurfaced, and he snapped at his teammates, immediately regretting his words. He had learned the importance of accommodating others, but he realized that his "kingly" tendencies had their benefits too—they were a part of him. Kageyama didn't need to be Oikawa or Atsumu; he could forge his own path, blending elements of both styles while staying true to himself. Hinata, who had always been on the receiving end of Kageyama's "King of the Court" attitude, understood this better than anyone. He knew the value of that fierce drive and reminded everyone that being the "king" wasn’t inherently bad. With the right approach, Kageyama’s leadership could be a tremendous asset to the team.

Kageyama is a volleyball prodigy, but communication has never been his strong suit, and that hurt him in the past. Fortunately, he is now surrounded by teammates who understand him and are willing to help him find a balance that benefits both him and Karasuno. Even when he stumbles, he knows he won’t have to face it alone. His journey is about blending authority, respect, and communication—pushing his teammates to be better while understanding their differences. It’s about taking risks, always striving to improve, and learning from setbacks. The return of the "King" in Season 4 is one of the most powerful moments in Kageyama's character development. It showcases not only his growth as a player but also his acceptance of who he truly is. Kageyama has come to realize that embracing his nature, rather than suppressing it, allows him to lead and inspire his team in a way that is uniquely his own.


It’s not about having time, it’s about making time. When you’re truly obsessed with something, time becomes irrelevant.



Tsukishima, a first-year student at Karasuno, initially sees volleyball as nothing more than a club activity. Despite his casual attitude, he still puts in effort after losing games. However, this wasn’t always the case. There was a time when Tsukishima was genuinely excited about volleyball. He eagerly listened to stories about his brother’s matches, admiring him as the ace of his team and marvelling at the idea of the national tournament. But everything changed when Tsukishima discovered that his brother’s spotlight had been overshadowed by the "Little Giant"; the same player Hinata idolizes. This realization shattered Tsukishima’s idealized view of volleyball. He felt that no matter how hard he tried, he would never be able to reach the top. For him, the sport had become a symbol of futility. Tsukishima’s internal struggle reflects a feeling many of us can relate to. There are moments when everything feels pointless, and we’re paralyzed by the fear of failure. The joy we once felt is gone, and everything seems dark. At the training camp, Nekoma’s coach points out how all of Karasuno’s players are evolving except Tsukishima. When the others stay behind for extra practice, Tsukishima leaves, convinced that putting in more effort is useless because of his fear that it will all amount to nothing.

However, two key events spark a shift in his attitude toward volleyball and life itself. The first occurs when Kuroo and Bokuto invite him for extra practice. Initially uninterested, Tsukishima’s pride is challenged when Kuroo taunts him about his skills. Suddenly, a fire is lit within him. Although Tsukishima believes he can never surpass Hinata, Kuroo reminds him that each player has their own unique strengths. But Tsukishima is so caught up in his self-doubt that he sees himself as inferior to everyone around him. In one practice session, Yamaguchi confronts Tsukishima, calling him boring and lame for not feeling competitive. Tsukishima retorts, “Why do you keep drawing random lines, saying anything past them is impossible? Even if I become the best on Karasuno, even if we go to nationals, then what? Eventually, someone better will show up. No matter what, you’ll always lose to someone. You’ll never be the best.” Tsukishima’s cynicism isn’t just about avoiding volleyball; it’s a way to protect himself from the fate that befell his brother. He’s so terrified of this outcome that he keeps running in circles, trapped by his thoughts. Finally, Tsukishima asks Bokuto why they practice so hard if they’ll likely never reach the very top. Bokuto shares that he, too, struggled to enjoy volleyball at first. His signature cross shot kept getting blocked,practisedacticed his straight shots until, one day, in a match, he smashed past the wall in front of him. That single moment hooked him, and his love for volleyball was reignited. This conversation leads to a turning point for Tsukishima. The truth is, things become more enjoyable once you reach a certain level of proficiency in them. As the discussion between Kuroo, Bokuto, and Tsukishima concludes, we see a different Tsukishima in season 2—one who is constantly thinking, strategizing, and seeking his own moment to shine. We also witness his brother continuing to play volleyball despite the humiliations of the past, showing that perseverance can lead to rediscovered passion.

The second pivotal moment for Tsukishima comes during Karasuno’s match against Ushiwaka. Blocking Ushiwaka’s spike becomes the spark that reignites his love for volleyball. Ushiwaka, with his elite power, height, jumping ability, stamina, and techniques, combined with his left-handed spikes, seemed like an unstoppable force—everything Tsukishima didn’t want to face. As Ushiwaka dominated the first set, Tsukishima’s self-doubt grew. But instead of succumbing to frustration, he stayed calm and began analyzing the game, noticing details that others overlooked. When he finally managed to block Ushiwaka, the stadium went silent and at that moment, Tsukishima rediscovered his love for both volleyball and life itself. Rather than fixating on what he couldn’t do, Tsukishima began to focus on what he could do that others couldn’t. His ability to block Ushiwaka wasn’t just a testament to his skill but also a demonstration of his unique talent—a strength that differed from the other spikers.

Through Tsukishima’s journey, we see that the mind obsesses over two things: worry and excitement. To reach the point where excitement and obsession drive you forward, you must first confront your self-doubt, build resilience, and cultivate self-motivation. Only then can you truly fall in love with what you do and find meaning in the work that once seemed meaningless. 


You either walk inside your story and own it, or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.


In Haikyuu, with just a bit of camera movement and a single line, we witness a pivotal moment that transforms one of the most overlooked characters, Tadashi Yamaguchi, into someone who confronts relatable feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. In the early episodes of Season 1, Yamaguchi seems like nothing more than a side character—Tsukishima’s quiet sidekick who often boasts about Tsukishima’s height, as if he has nothing of his own to be proud of. However, as the series progresses, Yamaguchi proves to be much more than just a background figure. During Karasuno's first regional qualifier, they face off against Aoba Johsai, one of the strongest volleyball teams. As the third set unfolds, Aoba Johsai’s captain and setter, Oikawa, systematically breaks down Karasuno's defences, point by point. With momentum slipping away, Coach Ukai makes a surprising decision that shocks everyone—he subs in the visibly nervous and terrified Yamaguchi.

As Yamaguchi steps onto the court, he's struck by how different it feels from what he imagined. The intensity and pressure overwhelm him, serving as a harsh reminder that no matter how much you mentally prepare, the moment you're faced with your fears, your body tenses up, and nerves can take over. Desperate to prove himself, Yamaguchi attempts his jump float serve, but it falls short, not even making it over the net. To the rest of the stadium, this missed serve was just one lost point. The game moves on, and it’s quickly forgotten. But for Yamaguchi, it represents his entire sense of self-worth. His one chance to shine ended in failure, leaving him crushed. After the match, his mentor, Shimada, asks if he enjoyed playing, to which Yamaguchi replies, "No." Shimada's response is simple yet powerful: "To get the most out of sports, you have to be strong." This experience marks a turning point for Yamaguchi. 

In Season 3, Yamaguchi gets another chance to face Aoba Johsai in a rematch. As he steps up to serve, memories of his previous failure flood back, and once again, his serve hits the net. Panic sets in, but this time, the ball makes it over, earning him the point. With renewed determination, Yamaguchi takes a deep breath and prepares for his next serve. The entire stadium falls silent, all eyes on him. He serves and scores again. The stadium erupts in cheers, with half of the crowd celebrating wildly. To some, this might seem like an overreaction for a single point, but for those who witnessed his earlier miss, this moment carries profound significance. Yamaguchi's successful serve is the culmination of months of frustration, late-night practices, doubts, despair, and his deep desire to feel worthy on the court. Even Tsukishima acknowledges his dedication, saying, "He's practised serving more than anyone else. So, why wouldn't he score a service ace?" This comment highlights the immense effort Yamaguchi put into perfecting his serve, turning what was once a weakness into a powerful weapon. Now, even Aoba Johsai is forced to take Yamaguchi seriously, recognizing the threat he poses on the court. This moment marks a turning point for Yamaguchi, as he realizes that all his hard work has finally paid off.

Yamaguchi's story of improvement illustrates the concept of "talent" in a realistic yet optimistic way. He doesn't rely solely on natural ability; instead, he practices relentlessly, focusing on what he can control and improve. While it may feel like there's an invisible wall holding us back from reaching our full potential, Yamaguchi’s journey reminds us that although we're not all born the same, we're also not as different as we might think.  His perseverance shows that with consistent effort, despite doubts and setbacks, progress is achievable. Yamaguchi’s dedication is a testament to how much humans can improve when they persist in their endeavours. The process of growth takes time and requires overcoming numerous mental barriers, but Yamaguchi's story is proof that with patience and hard work, anyone can bloom into their potential.


You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. 



'In terms of my physique and ability, I know I'm just a normal person. When I was little, I thought I was definitely a genius. ... Well I guess I thought that until about middle school. A...actually I still think that occasionally nowadays. But I'll probably never be 180 cm tall, and while I have faith in my physical abilities, in this volleyball club, I'm not the best at any one thing. That's never been a reason or an excuse for me to give up.'                       
- Tanaka

Tanaka, a fun-loving and energetic player in Haikyuu, is known for his high aspirations and his ability to bring motivation to his team. However, there is a moment when it seems like he might lose his spark. During the first set against Inarizaki, Tanaka struggles as his spikes get blocked and he freezes up on the court. Having already made eight mistakes, the crowd begins to doubt him, fearing he might give up. Instead of giving in to despair, Tanaka confronts his doubts head-on. He reflects, “Usually, I don’t even think about that in the first place. But about once every six months my mentality crumbles. I start to think that I’m mediocre. Well... Mediocre me... Do you have time to waste looking down?” With renewed determination, he faces the challenge and calls for the ball again. Tanaka embodies the spirit of being ordinary yet ambitious—refusing to quit even when things aren't going his way. His perseverance is further demonstrated after a tough loss against Date Tech when some of his teammates leave the team feeling disheartened. Tanaka remains committed, rallying himself and continuing to push forward. His journey highlights a universal struggle: we often view ourselves as capable of greatness, but setbacks can make us feel average. Tanaka’s story teaches us that instead of focusing on why we might fail, we should pick ourselves up and take the next step, no matter how small. Obstacles can seem daunting, and maintaining a positive mindset is challenging. Yet, embracing positivity can help us find solutions and keep moving forward.


It's no fun if you don't try other options once you know they exist. 





There were a few characters that Furudate intentionally held back from the spotlight, whether for a few chapters or in the case of Yu Nishinoya, whose character development largely happened before the series even began. Nishinoya, the libero, is often seen as someone who came to Karasuno not just to play volleyball, but to stand out, jokingly said to be someone who would rather 'drip than drown.' He became my favourite the moment he stopped a spike with his foot in the match against Date Tech, showcasing both his skill and his fearless, unpredictable style of play.

Nishinoya is loud, funny, and full of energy, much like Tanaka, but on the court, he transforms into a calm and focused presence, silently guarding the team with his exceptional defensive skills. Though it seemed like Furudate had bigger plans for him in later seasons, his character still left an unforgettable mark. In his own unique way, Nishinoya has been 'rolling thunder'-ing his way into the hearts of Haikyuu fans from the very beginning.


Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.


Daichi represents the mental strength of Karasuno and serves as the solid foundation of the team, guiding them to soar again. Like Hinata, Daichi started without a real team that shared his deep love for the game and lacked a coach to direct them. When Hinata and Kageyama joined, Karasuno had the potential to reach the finals again, but it was Daichi’s unwavering perseverance that truly brought the team of talented individuals together. Even when his teammates were leaving and it seemed like there would be no opportunities left, Daichi continued to train every day. His seemingly endless practices and relentless optimism might have seemed pointless at times, but they ultimately proved to be the glue that held the team together. Daichi’s journey teaches us that even if it feels like there’s no opportunity right now, you’ll regret not being prepared when one does come along. Avoiding action out of being unsure is a waste of time, but doing nothing at all is an even bigger waste. Even when it seems like your hard work isn't paying off and nothing is happening, Daichi’s story reminds us that persistence is key. One day, something will happen that makes all the effort worthwhile but only if you keep going.

If I had no sense of humour, I would long ago have committed suicide over the problems of my existence.


Speaking of the third-year students, Sugawara is another key member who stuck with the team until the end. Known affectionately as the "mom" of the team by fans for his caring and soft-spoken nature, Sugawara embodies reliability, experience, and versatility as a setter. However, his long-awaited starting position is taken away when Kageyama joins the school. Kageyama even asks Sugawara if he's just stepping down to let him take over, to which Sugawara admits that when Kageyama showed up and challenged him for his spot, he initially felt relieved. Yet, this relief gradually turns into a realization that he might simply be relying on Kageyama instead of truly competing for his position. During Karasuno's first match against Aoba Johsai, Sugawara is subbed in, entering a game where the spotlight is on the competition between two of the best setters, Oikawa and Kageyama. Having waited on the bench for so long, Sugawara's time on the sidelines gave him a clearer perspective of the game. His calmness and composure during this critical moment don't go unnoticed; even Oikawa recognizes it. Sugawara experiences the same pressures of blocked spikes and failed sets, but instead of getting frustrated, he embraces these challenges. 

Sugawara's ability to love his problems; every single one, every single day, teaches us the importance of appreciating each moment, no matter how difficult. Despite spending much of his time on the bench, Sugawara harbours a silent yet persistent desire to play. He remains hopeful that every second he gets on the court is worth the days and weeks of waiting. This attitude reflects his commitment to living in a way that will keep him happy for the rest of his life, savouring every opportunity no matter how brief.

The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.




Being named the ace of a volleyball team is an honour like no other. It signifies the most fearless, relentless, and reliable player—the one who stands as a symbol of hope. But with this title comes a heavy burden: expectations, isolation, and immense pressure. The ace is often the person everyone looks to in times of crisis, a role that is both demanding and daunting. No character embodies the complexity of this role better than Azumane Asahi, the gentle giant of Karasuno. Despite his intimidating presence and monstrous skills, Asahi is a shy, polite individual who struggles with self-confidence. His story revolves around the themes of fear and the weight of shouldering the responsibilities of others, even at the risk of breaking oneself.

After a devastating defeat against Date Tech, where every spike he attempted was blocked, Asahi's confidence was shattered. The aftermath of this loss saw a heated argument between Asahi and Nishinoya, with both blaming each other for the defeat. In his guilt, Asahi lost sight of what it means to be part of a team, becoming excessively self-critical and forgetting that self-care is also important. Asahi left the volleyball club for three months, retreating from the sport that once brought him joy. When Hinata and Kageyama visited him, they reminded him of the view from the top, encouraging him to rediscover his love for the game. Though still uncertain, Asahi returned to the gym, where Coach Ukai, unaware of Asahi's past struggles, compelled him to join a game.

Despite his lingering doubts and fears of failure, stepping onto the court rekindled Asahi's passion for spiking and improving his volleyball skills. When a ball came his way and was initially blocked, Asahi began to doubt himself once again. However, Nishinoya's incredible save kept the ball in play, and in that moment, Asahi remembered that even if he faced walls and denials, he was not alone. The ace does not walk alone. This realization echoes the words of Gautam Buddha: 'Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.' Asahi’s journey illustrates that even the most formidable ace benefits from the support and light of others, and through sharing and teamwork, he can find his path to both personal and collective success."

Even if it’s boring, keep doing it. Small steps every day add up to big results.


Johzenji High is one of Karasuno’s opponents in the main preliminary round at the Spring Tournament. Their slogan, "Let's have a fun game," reflects their approach: though they are reckless and disorganized, they bring an unpredictable energy with their wild attacks. One of their captains remarks that while Karasuno’s players are skilled, they are also "boring." However, the excitement of playing for fun doesn’t always translate into victory, as Johzenji loses their match against Karasuno.

The ex-captain’s words, "There'll come a time when things are not fun anymore," underline a crucial lesson. It suggests that real progress often requires pushing through periods of monotony and difficulty. The team gradually learns that accepting moments of dullness and persevering through them can lead to the more enjoyable and rewarding aspects of their journey. Their experience emphasizes that sometimes, the key to finding excitement and success lies in making incremental progress and pushing through the less interesting phases.

Talent is something you bloom, and instinct is something you polish.


Oikawa Toru, often referred to as the "Great King" by Hinata, serves as the captain and setter of Aoba Johsai. On the surface, he embodies the ideal athlete: charismatic, highly skilled, and immensely popular, especially among girls. However, as
Haikyuu delves deeper into his character, it becomes clear that beneath his bright, confident exterior lies a sea of insecurities. Oikawa is plagued by envy towards those he perceives as more talented than him, particularly Ushijima and Kageyama. In his eyes, they possess an innate ability that he lacks, and he fears he will always fall short compared to them.

Oikawa’s first major appearance occurs during a practice match where Karasuno is performing well against Aoba Johsai. The moment he steps onto the court, Karasuno begins to struggle, highlighting the profound impact Oikawa has as a setter. Despite Karasuno’s eventual victory, thanks to Hinata’s quick attack, Oikawa’s presence looms large. Later, in the tournament, Oikawa showcases his prowess by delivering multiple aces. Before the match, he carefully observes Karasuno’s game against Date Tech, searching for any potential advantage, particularly against Kageyama. Oikawa's philosophy as a setter is rooted in the belief that a perfect setter is someone who can bring out 100% of their teammates' potential. He adheres to this principle with remarkable precision, turning each teammate’s strengths into weapons on the court. As the match progresses, Aoba Johsai pulls ahead of Karasuno, and it becomes evident that Oikawa’s relentless practice and strategic approach are paying off.

However, despite his accolades, including being recognized as the best setter, Oikawa struggles with feelings of inferiority. Initially, he believes Kageyama’s talent is innate, but he later realizes that Kageyama’s success results from relentless practice and dedication. Although Kageyama admires Oikawa, and those around him view him as an exceptional player, Oikawa remains unaware of his greatness. Over time, Oikawa learns an important lesson: greatness isn’t limited to one path. He may never play like Ushijima or Kageyama, but he doesn’t need to. His unique talent lies in bringing out the best in his teammates, a gift that is just as valuable.

In the Tokyo Tournament, when Karasuno finally defeats Aoba Johsai, Oikawa handles the loss with newfound wisdom. He reflects that the day when your talent truly blooms could be today, tomorrow, next year, or even when you’re 30. But the key is believing that day will come—if you don’t, it never will. Oikawa’s journey reinforces the idea that talent doesn’t emerge overnight; it requires a long, arduous journey of perseverance and self-belief. The scene where Oikawa rises after his set to Iwaizumi, thinking, “Talent is something you bloom, instinct is something you polish,” not only solidified Haikyuu as my favourite anime but also cemented Oikawa as one of my favourite characters from the series. His journey is a reminder that while we may not possess the same gifts as others, we all have our own unique strengths waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

We are nothing more than our habits.


The match between Team Karasuno and Inarizaki is one of the most intense and emotionally charged arcs in Haikyuu. It feels like a life-or-death battle, with several unforgettable moments that resonate deeply. One of the most striking scenes is the introduction of Inarizaki’s captain, Shinsuke Kita, who appears at a critical moment. Kita’s strength as a captain doesn’t come from flashy moves or overwhelming power; instead, it stems from his embodiment of Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of consistent daily improvement. This philosophy is encapsulated in his words: “I am built upon the small things I do every day, and the end results are no more than a byproduct of that.” Kita’s true weapon is his unwavering competence, a personification of the principles found in Atomic Habits and Dharma in Hindu philosophy. These concepts emphasize that the small, consistent actions we take each day form the fundamental building blocks of our character. We are, in essence, the sum of our daily actions—a philosophy that Kita lives by. For him, the process is far more important than the result, as he expresses when he says: “You do it right. And you do it every day. You take care of your body. You tidy up after yourself. You practice gratitude. And you practice.”

Kita’s strength lies in his commitment to discipline and good habits. He isn’t concerned with instant gratification or external validation. Instead, he focuses on following his principles consistently, believing that this steady adherence to routine is what brings him happiness. His self-awareness is profound, and his contentment comes from knowing that he is continually improving himself, even in the smallest ways. Kita’s philosophy encourages us to trust in the process and not worry about others’ opinions if we believe in what we are doing. He embodies the pure essence of shonen values, showing that true strength comes from within and is cultivated through daily effort and self-discipline. In the world of Haikyuu, Kita’s character is a powerful reminder that greatness is not just about talent or results but about the consistent, mindful actions that lead to long-term growth and fulfilment.


One of the key themes Haikyuu consistently presents is the reality of struggle in the pursuit of improvement. The journey of mastering new techniques, refining play styles, and seamlessly integrating them with teammates is far from straightforward, and the anime captures this messy evolution beautifully. Even though I wasn't initially a fan of sports, this anime struck me like a shonen-infused shot to the heart.

Haikyuu transcends the realm of volleyball, reaching out to anyone who values competition, camaraderie, compassion, and the sheer force of will. It ignites something deep within us all—whether it's cheering for our heroes' triumphs, shedding a tear over their setbacks, or roaring with excitement at each spectacular spike. The series excels in portraying the power curve of learning, skill acquisition, and personal growth. Each character is crafted with flaws, determination, and endearing qualities, making them relatable and unforgettable. Haikyuu strikes a remarkable balance between humour, emotional depth, and drama. I'm immensely grateful to the creators for this inspiring anime and highly recommend it to anyone looking for motivation and inspiration in their own lives.

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